Supporter needs a hand- Melba support worker Collette McManoman, left, and her colleagues have helped Kerry Allsop find confidence and purpose. 57677

By Casey Neill
WARBURTON resident Collette McManoman, who has worked for Melba Support Services for 11 years, is backing a plea asking the community for help.
The Yarra Ranges not-for-profit group helps people with disabilities lead their own lives and be part of their community.
But it needs support from the community to continue its valuable work.
Ms McManoman said Melba’s services were not just about looking after people, but growing and improving their lives.
“I think there’s a lot people don’t understand,” she said.
“They’ve just got so much potential.”
Ms McManoman has supported people like 45-year-old Kerry Allsop, who has lived in a Lilydale supported living house for two and a half years.
She lives with five other people with disabilities, who rely on the buses to get around.
Ms McManoman said: “She’s blossomed so much”.
“She’s like mother hen – she likes to look after everybody.”
Ms Allsop works at Melba’s Wray Crescent site and for programs like Meals on Wheels.
“Really useful things rather than just a token thing,” Ms McManoman said.
“She has a purpose. It’s really boosted her confidence.”
Ms McManoman wanted to work for Melba since she left school.
“This is my ideal job. It’s just seeing what a difference you can make, and every day’s different.”
CEO Jim Burns said Melba was staring down the barrel of disaster because of an obsolete bus fleet and had launched a mail-out campaign to tackle the looming crisis.
“Our bus fleet is old, outdated and costing far too much money in maintenance,” he said.
“And with every unexpected break down, it disrupts vital services for locals with disabilities.”
Six buses in the 15-strong fleet need immediate replacement.
“But at around $65,000 per bus, we are also in desperate need of community support – particularly as the government no longer funds transport,” Mr Burns said.
Melba relies on its buses to transport local people with disabilities to medical appointments, day services, visit family and friends, work, shopping, respite and community events.
“Our bus fleet is an imperative part of our service delivery as it maintains our contacts with the communities around us,” Mr Burns said.
“Without them, the people we support are stranded and our services are inoperable.”
Melba needs financial support to run its seven supported living houses in Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn and Lilydale and other services.
“It’s not just about money though, it’s about acceptance,” Ms McManoman said.
“They’re people.”
Melba provides community services designed to give people with disabilities greater independence and control over their own lives.
The organisation provides supported accommodation, help to access vocational, educational, employment and recreational goals, respite care and more.
Melba services Melbourne’s south east and receives some government funding, but relies on the wider community for additional financial support.
Call Melba Support Services on 9760 8200 or visit www.melbasupport.com.au for more information or to lend a hand.